Re: [Leica] Build Quality of Lenses

["Jim Shulman" <garcia@chesco.com>]

I agree with Steve.  Perhaps years of self-abuse have finally ruined my
ability to discern resolution differences in Leitz optics.  However, I
recently began shooting with an immediate postwar (coated) Elmar 50 3.5 and
have been astonished by the results.  These a gorgeous look to pictures with
this lens that my collapsible Summicron and mid-80s Summilux 50s don't have.
However, these other lenses also create their own particular look to the
photographs, which is not unpleasant in their own right.

Jim Shulman

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Steve LeHuray <icommag@toad.net>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: Wednesday, June 21, 2000 11:10 AM
Subject: Re: [Leica] Build Quality of Lenses


> >
> > Okay, I've now spent a couple of days with a DR Summicron (thanks to
> > Ting!), and I have a few thoughts.  While I've never been impressed by
the
> > argument that holds the M3, M2 and M4 to be superior mechanically to the
> > later bodies -- I've worked with both types, and my M4-P is just as
nice,
> > in every way -- I am now utterly convinced of the the superior build
> > quality of the early lenses.  Later, horrendously expensive Leica
lenses,
> > though reasonably well-constructed, feel about as solid as my old
Zuikos,
> > and less solid than the fully metal lenses for the Contax SLR.  Frankly,
> > the new black Voigtlanders feel better (although I'm less happy with the
> > finish on the chrome versions).
> >
> > This DR Summicron, on the other hand, is about as well made as
> > anything I've ever held in my hands.  It's a joy.  I'm determined, now,
to
> > buy only the earlier lenses, unless the optical performance of the
> > recent versions are vastly superior.  Call it a fetish thing.
> >
> > So.  I'm still searching for that perfect 35mm lens.  How is that old
> > chrome Summicron, relative to the fourth generation?  And what about the
> > 35/2.8 Summaron?
> >
> >
> > Doug Cooper
> >
> > (oh, and thanks for the response re:  my IIIc.)
> >
> >
> >
> Sure! I have first generation M chrome lenses and current generation and
> there is no question IMHO that the first generation chrome lenses feel
> better but I cannot say which is the better quality as they were built
with
> different materials and standards. I know that Irwin will disagree but I
do
> have trouble telling which picture was shot with which lens. I have shot
the
> same scene at the same time first with a Summicron collapsible (1953) then
> switched to a current Summicron, then had prints (8x10) made, just about
> impossible to tell which is which. Going a little further I took a
portrait
> with a Summitar 50 (1950) on a 111G and the same shot with current
Summicron
> on a M2 and maybe I need my eyes checked but could not see any difference.
> No doubt under scientific conditions there is a big difference but in the
> real world, I am not so sure.
> Steve
> Annapolis
>